SCORE, The Florida Women’s Business Center and programs like the Office Depot Small Business Advantage are key drivers in providing small business with much-needed economic fuel. With more than 1,200 member businesses, the Boca Chamber promotes an environment that can maximize investment, business potential and profitability. Boca Chamber members have a stake in this community and, via committees, have a platform to voice their ideas on relevant issues such as education, public and community affairs, economic development and job creation in our area. By participating, our members are able to make a positive impact in these and other areas, while gaining knowledge and contacts that will help their businesses succeed.
from pre-K to graduation and received an outstanding education. Boca is also a safe city. Our city government, police and fire departments do an exceptional job making Boca Raton a wonderful place to live, conduct business, raise a family or retire.”
City Ser vi CeS
n ew re Sident S of Bo CA rA ton find th At the City live S u P to it S Promi SeS.
Business taxes help sustain our city in a variety of ways: safety and security, keeping our streets clean and maintaining parks, among many other things. The Boca Chamber works closely with the city to promote its public-safety campaign initiatives. “Boca Raton is a city that was developed with foresight to maintain a balance between development and nature,” says chamber member Jayne Scala, CPC, of Ultimate Staffing Services. “We have many beautiful parks [and] untouched beaches, and the overall landscaping is extensive. In addition to excellent dining, shopping, entertainment and the arts, Boca Raton’s public school system is A-rated. Both of my children attended the schools in Boca
A Pro SPerou S Community Businesses in Boca Raton support various community initiatives, including free concerts, Little League games and the opportunity for young, aspiring businesspeople to partake in internships. Attend any of these events, and you’ll be sure to see local businesspeople who frequently sign up to volunteer at communityenhancing initiatives such as beach cleanups, walks, soup kitchens and more.
“I relocated to Boca Raton from New Jersey about a year ago,” says Ed Gagliardi of ActionCOACH South Florida and a chamber member. “I have to say that Boca offers a great blend of quiet suburbs and urban enterprise. The schools and support services are great, there is easy access to beautiful beaches, great restaurants and a fantastic blend of residents from all over the United States. One of the testimonies I frequently hear from many of my local friends, and I agree, is that we often take living in a resort destination for granted. That says it all.” The Boca Chamber recognizes those who help stimulate the Boca Raton economy and
Chamber president Troy M. McLellan, CCE
give back to the community by awarding select individuals or business entities with the DIAMOND Award, Chairman’s Award, Chamber Person of the Year, Small Business Leader of the Year, Business Leader of the Year and Business of the Year.
h ow d o w e Com Pete? The city of Boca Raton is well positioned to be competitive as we emerge from these uncertain economic times. The city has launched incentives that encourage new business creation and generate a positive business atmosphere that makes Boca Raton a highly appealing option for business relocation. The city is quickly garnering a reputation as a vibrant college town, home to award-winning colleges and universities Florida Atlantic
3: Troy M. McLellan (also in the photo above), CCE, president and CEO of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce; Cheryl Budd of NCCI Holdings, Inc.; and Mike Campbell, president, Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County
1: Michael Church and Jennifer Susanne Sommers 2: Linda Gove of Habitat for Humanity and Debbi Lawlor, Chair of the 2011 Boca Festival Days
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